How is my Unipass private key protected?
Your private key is protected in two ways: • It is stored on your computer’s hard drive so you can control access to it. • When your browser generates your Unipass private key at collection time, it may ask you for a password. This password protects access to your private key. A third party can access your private key only by: • having access to the file your key is stored in (which is usually part of your system’s configuration information) and • knowing your private password. Some software permits you to choose to not have a password protect your private key. If you use this option, then you are trusting that no one, presently or in the future, will have unauthorised access to your computer. In general, it is far easier to use a password than to completely safeguard your computer physically. Not safeguarding access to your private key is a bit like pre-signing all of the cheques in your chequebook and then leaving it open on your desk.
